The firm dollar lifted German shares yesterday, sending blue chip shares up an average of 2 per cent. Turnover was thin due to the US market holiday for Labour Day, leaving the DAX index seeking to find a floor after recent hefty losses. The blue-chip DAX has been flagging dramatically in recent weeks. A low of 3,849 points hit on Friday marked a drop of 14 per cent from its end-July level of 4,477 points.

France CAC: 2,805.84 (+35.35) The Paris Bourse rallied Monday after a 4.6 per cent plunge the previous week, helped by strength displayed by major distribution groups following a takeover bid by Promodes for Casino and Rallye. The Bourse lost a total of 10.8 per cent in August.

Milan Mibtel: 14,339 (+121) Italian shares were led by gains in Eni, Telecom Italia and Istituto Bancario San Paola di Torino. Shares which picked up most were those which heavily last week, traders noted.